by Amy Kim Kyremes-Parks
1 Peter 1:3-9
“Friends, no matter what has happened – we have this access to joy right here, and WE ARE HERE… Amen?
That invisible string, the tether has us connecting here in person or online, we are tethered.
And even though we are here some may be starting to feel the familiar tether to our hope loosening, the once, strong pull becomes weaker and our resolve may be waning.
The writer of this passage in 1 Peter is very aware of the human condition, the ways humans are, well, human. The people were holding on to the promise of resurrection, living in contrast to a world filled with death-dealing practices, rhetoric and oppression. They were a community who understood suffering and needed encouragement. They were being encouraged and directed to live in the tension of suffering and joy.
So appealing…. here is your life: You have been through so much, you understand God to be faithful, the promise of the resurrection gives you hope that there is always more, this is joyful. Celebrate. BUT know that suffering will not end because… well, humans.
Life will still be hard but we are called to live with indescribable joy.
When you encounter suffering, are you still tethered?
Are you holding on to the boundless love of God, the promise of resurrection?”
Watch the full GCPC service on 4/16/23 here
(Scripture and sermon begin at 42:42)